Trump backed Republicans won big in Alabama primary runoffs: Did the endorsements matter?

President Donald Trump flexed his political muscle in Alabama this past Tuesday, with both of his endorsed candidates securing decisive victories in their respective GOP primary runoffs.

Senate and Lieutenant Governor Showdowns

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore of Enterprise cleared the hurdle for the U.S. Senate nomination, besting former Navy Seal Jared Hudson with a strong 56% to 44% finish. The victory came by approximately 40,000 votes, keeping Moore's momentum alive as he prepares for the general election.

In the lieutenant governor race, political newcomer and former Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl pulled off an impressive win against Secretary of State Wes Allen. Wahl secured 57% of the vote—an approximate 43,000-vote margin—to clinch the nomination.

The 'Trump Factor' and Low Turnout

Political analysts at 205focus.com note that while these results highlight the staying power of the former president’s base, the low voter turnout environment played a significant role. With only 10.7% of registered voters participating—a sharp decline from the 23% seen in the May 19 primary—the “MAGA core” and dedicated Republican voters had a disproportionate impact on the outcome.

Jess Brown, a retired political science professor from Athens State University, observed that while Moore’s win was bolstered by his status as a sitting Congressman, Wahl’s defeat of an incumbent like Wes Allen points directly to the weight of the Trump endorsement.

“Wahl’s performance in the lieutenant governor race is difficult to explain without recognizing the impact of the Trump endorsement,” Brown noted. “Being state chair of the Republican Party is typically not the sort of political base necessary to defeat an incumbent statewide office-holder.”

Strategic Endorsements for the Future

For Moore, the connection to Trump is long-standing. As the “first person in the whole country” to back Trump’s initial presidential bid, Moore was featured in campaign ads reinforcing his loyalty. Auburn University political science professor Joseph Aistrup suggests that without Trump’s early support, Moore may have struggled to advance past a primary field that included Attorney General Steve Marshall.

Looking beyond Alabama, the results in other states were more mixed. In Georgia, Trump-endorsed U.S. Rep. Mike Collins won his runoff, but Lt. Gov. Burt Jones fell short. Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, Congressman Kevin Hern avoided a runoff entirely, securing the nomination with over 50% of the vote.

According to Aistrup, these endorsements are part of a broader, long-term strategy for Trump. “Trump is thinking about his legacy continuing after he retires through the GOP candidates at lower levels that he has endorsed and helped to win,” Aistrup said. “As they continue to run and win higher level offices, they will be representing Trump’s brand long after Trump is no longer president.”

Looking Ahead

While these candidates celebrate their primary wins, the focus now shifts to November. Lori Owens, a professor at Jacksonville State University, points out that the real test will be whether these nominees can bridge the gap between the fervent Trump base and the broader electorate. “It doesn’t mean they’re going to vote for the Democrat,” Owens explained. “They just might not vote for that particular race.”

For full details on the primary night activity, read our live coverage from Tuesday. For more, see our report on the decline in voter turnout across the state.